Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR): Community Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (CSRH)
The Community Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (CSRH) Specialty Specific Guidance (SSG) offers a comprehensive framework for doctors aiming to gain entry onto the UK’s Specialist Register through the Portfolio Pathway, formerly known as CESR. This route is essential for professionals who have not completed a UK Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) but can demonstrate equivalent competence through prior experience, qualifications, and evidence.
Purpose and Overview
The Portfolio Pathway in CSRH enables experienced doctors to showcase their skills and expertise in line with the CSRH curriculum, which is built around Capabilities in Practice (CiPs). The General Medical Council (GMC), in collaboration with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), provides detailed guidance to help applicants prepare a strong evidence-based submission.
Support Available from FSRH
FSRH supports applicants through:
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Webinars and mentorship
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Gap-analysis tools for self-assessment
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Access to a specialty ePortfolio
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Training opportunities and grants
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Regional training events and a dedicated Portfolio Route Training Hub
Applicants are encouraged to engage early with FSRH and to begin evidence collection well in advance.
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Key Requirements for Application
1. Capabilities in Practice (CiPs)
Applicants must demonstrate competence across 10 CiPs, which include both generic and specialty-specific skills:
|
Category |
Capability |
|
Generic |
Clinical care, communication, teamworking, quality improvement |
|
Specialty-specific |
Leadership in SRH, Public Health focus, expert clinical SRH management |
|
Combined (Educator) |
Teaching, mentoring, managing educational programmes |
Each CiP includes specific key skills and examples of recommended evidence (e.g., case histories, audits, OSATS, MDT minutes, and reflections).
2. Evidence Submission
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Must be recent (within 5 years; OSATS within 3 years)
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Strong emphasis on quality, not quantity (600–900 pages max)
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Evidence must be clearly anonymised, structured, and linked to CiPs
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Up to 3 CiPs and 8 key skills can be linked to one document
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Evidence types include:
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WPBAs (e.g., Mini-CEX, CbDs)
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OSATS
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Case logs and case reports
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Reflective practice
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CPD certificates
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Clinical audits and service improvement projects
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Structured reports from three referees
These reports are critical for triangulating and validating your submitted evidence.
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What Does It Mean If a Doctor Is on Specialist Register?
Practical Guidance for Success
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Start early: Keep a daily clinical log, collect evidence prospectively.
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Use the ePortfolio: This streamlines linking evidence to CiPs.
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Map your qualifications: If you haven’t passed the MFSRH exam, you must provide detailed mapping against the MFSRH curriculum.
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Reflect regularly: Demonstrate insight, impact on patient care, and commitment to safety and quality.
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Plan for difficult evidence: Skills like ultrasound or abortion care may require proactive arrangements.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Applications may fail due to:
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Old or unauthenticated evidence
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Unlinked documents not mapped to CiPs/key skills
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Inadequate depth or variety of evidence
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Missing structured reports
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Failure to demonstrate continuing competency
Applicants are urged to thoroughly review the CSRH curriculum, Definitive Document, and the CiP Guides alongside the SSG.
Conclusion
The Portfolio Pathway offers an accessible yet rigorous route to Specialist Registration for doctors in Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. With careful preparation, strategic evidence collection, and support from the FSRH, applicants can successfully demonstrate their readiness to work at a consultant level within the NHS.
How We Can Help
At cesrportfolio.co.uk, we specialise in guiding doctors through the Portfolio Pathway in Community Sexual and Reproductive Health. Our services include:
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One-to-One Portfolio Mentoring
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Curriculum Mapping Support
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Evidence Review and Feedback
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Mock Application Assessments
Our experienced consultants understand the rigorous standards of the GMC and FSRH. We help streamline your journey and boost your chances of success.
Let us support your journey. Visit cesrportfolio.co.uk today to begin building your future in sexual and reproductive health.
Disclaimer
This blog post provides general information about cesr portfolio pathway. It isn't a substitute for the official gmc guidance. For more information, please refer to gmc Speciality specific guidance for portfolio pathway applications
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